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LG Innotek Unveils 5G Communication Module for Autonomous Cars

LG Innotek has developed a communication module for automotive based on 5G (5th Generation) Qualcomm chip.

5G communication module for automotive is a component that uses the 5G mobile telecommunication technology to enable transmission of data between a vehicle and a cellular base station and wireless network connection. This module combines a communication chip, memory, and RF (radio frequency) circuit and is generally mounted on the inside a vehicle or in a vehicle communication device on the roof.

This module makes possible sharing of real-time traffic information, precise location measurement, V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything: communication between a vehicle and objects), and transmission of larger amounts of data. In other words, this module secures the key functions that are needed for entirely autonomous driving that requires no involvement of the driver.

Using the 5G technology for communication modules for automotive is not easy because it uses high frequency bands, causing higher loss of signals than LTE (Long Term Evolution, 4G mobile telecommunication technology) as well as high heat generation due to transmission of larger amounts of data.

To solve this problem, LG Innotek says it used its proprietary RF circuit design technology, high precision and density modularized technology as well as heat resistant new materials.

The company's 5G communication module has a low latency (1ms or less), which is one tenth of that of an LTE module. This is why 5G technologies come into the spotlight in autonomous vehicle areas. Because it is require more immediate response to the changes in real-time situations.

For example, if an autonomous vehicle driving at 100 kilometers (62 mile) per hour detects an obstacle and activates the urgent braking function, braking starts after the vehicle moves 1.4m (4.5ft) with an LTE module, but with a 5G module, braking starts after the vehicle moves 2.8cm (0.09ft) because the latency is lower.

Also, this module has higher heat-resistance. It can withstand and is not easily deformed by the high heat generated by 5G network as well as direct sunlight on the vehicle roof. The module uses new plastic materials which are less sensitive to temperature change and is manufactured by applying new engineering methods in the processes of hardening and coating.

LG Innotek's 5G communication module for vehicles has an overall size of half a credit card. Its 40mm (width) X 50mm (length) X 3.5mm (thickness) size makes it easy to be installed anywhere on the inside or outside of a vehicle. It packs about 480 components including communication chip, memory, RF circuit, and C(Cellular)-V2X into the module.

Also, installing the module is convenient. Because it is compatible with LTE modules, the user only has to replace the LTE module with the 5G module in the same spot without changing the system design.

The 5G module also comes with software optimized for the module. Another advantage of the product is that it can be used regardless of the region or vehicle type because it follows the 3GPP Release 15, the newest 5G standard, of 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).